Sarawak’s RM5 mln youth creative fund sees low uptake, minister urges youths to tap it

KUCHING (Sept 23): Sarawak’s RM5 million Youth Creative Industry Fund has received fewer applications than expected, prompting State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah to urge eligible youths and creative practitioners to make greater use of the assistance.

Abdul Karim said the fund was established specifically to support young people involved in the creative industry, including musicians and other creative practitioners who had previously highlighted difficulties in securing suitable financial assistance.

He said the fund, introduced with the approval of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, operates as a revolving fund intended to provide RM5 million in assistance each year.

Despite publicity about the fund, Abdul Karim said the number of applications remained relatively low.

“I would hope for those who wish to seek this fund, not for us to come to you, they have to come to us,” he told a press conference at his office at the Baitulmakmur II building here today.

He stressed that the assistance was provided as a grant rather than a loan.

“It is not a loan, it is an outright gift,” he said.

Abdul Karim said the fund was open to eligible youths, either as individuals or associations, and had also been extended to university students, particularly those involved in arts and culture.

Media practitioners with relevant interests and talents in the creative industry could also apply, he added.

“It’s not really that difficult. If any of those in the media who have got that interest, that talent in the creative industry who would want to come over, you can also apply, because it’s open,” he said.

Abdul Karim said applications were processed by the ministry before being considered by a committee, which he chaired during several meetings each year.

Responding to claims that some applicants had yet to receive feedback, he said he would check with the committee overseeing the fund.

“I will check back on that, whether those who applied did not get an answer. I will check with the committee,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said Sarawak continued to support a large number of events through various funding mechanisms.

He said the state supported 355 events through its Event Fund last year, equivalent to almost one event a day, with a similar level of support expected this year.

Sarawak also has other funding mechanisms to support events and the creative sector, including the Event Fund and Dana MudahCara, he said.

Also present were State Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya; Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee; and Sarawak Sports Council director Mu’azamir Jili.